Elegy for Mary Turner: An Illustrated Account of a Lynching

In late May 1918, ten black men and one black woman, Mary Turner, were lynched and tortured by mobs of white citizens in Valdosta, Georgia. Elegy for Mary Turner is a powerful artwork that commemorates the victims, identifies the killers, and explores the broader context of lynching's terror in American history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

In late May 1918, a tragic and horrifying event unfolded in Valdosta, Georgia, where ten black men and one black woman, Mary Turner, were subjected to a heinous act of lynching and torture by mobs of white citizens. The sheer brutality and inhumanity of this act are hard to fathom, as Mary Turner, who was eight months pregnant at the time, endured unimaginable suffering before her untimely death.

Elegy for Mary Turner is a powerful and poignant artistic exploration that seeks to honor the memory of those who lost their lives and shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Through hauntingly detailed full-color artwork and collage, the book meticulously names the individuals who were killed, identifies the perpetrators, and evokes a landscape that was marked by a deep sense of injustice and trauma.

The NAACP played a crucial role in investigating these crimes when the state refused to do so, risking their own safety and well-being to ensure that justice was served. The book also sheds light on the reactions of white citizens, who, despite their abhorrent actions, were drawn to witness the black corpses and even baked pies to savor the spectacle. This stark contrast highlights the depths of racism and hatred that permeated society at the time.

Furthermore, Elegy for Mary Turner highlights the resilience and strength of the black community in the face of such adversity. Black people fought tirelessly to make their lives and their mourning matter, advocating for their rights and dignity in the face of unimaginable violence. The book pays tribute to their bravery and determination, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

In addition to the artistic elements, Elegy for Mary Turner includes powerful introductions from C. Tyrone Forehand, the great-grandnephew of Mary and Hayes Turner, whose family has long campaigned for the deaths to be remembered. Abolitionist activist and educator Mariame Kaba reflects on the violence visited upon black women's bodies, drawing connections between this historical event and the ongoing struggles for gender equality. Historian Julie Buckner Armstrong provides a broader perspective on lynching's terror in American history, highlighting its historical significance and its impact on the collective memory of the nation.

Elegy for Mary Turner is a powerful and essential work that serves as a reminder of the dark chapters in our nation's history. Through its meticulous research, compelling artwork, and thought-provoking essays, the book offers a deeper understanding of the complexities of race, justice, and human suffering. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the black community and a call to action for all who seek to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 153 x 233 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788739047